Method of using a key to secure components of a drug delivery system during assembly

Abstract

A method of securing an assembly of a drug delivery system, comprising: configuring at least a first component and a second component of the assembly in a closed configuration ready for placement into the drug delivery system; installing an assembly key including a locking element on the assembly to secure the assembly in said configuration; and, transporting the assembly with the assembly key installed.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of securing a telescoping assembly of a drug delivery system, comprising:
 configuring at least a pushing nut screw and an internal screw of the telescoping assembly in a closed configuration ready for placement into the drug delivery system, the pushing nut screw and the internal screw being interconnected by a screw thread such that relative rotation of the pushing nut screw with respect to the internal screw causes linear extension of the telescoping assembly; 
 securing the telescoping assembly in said closed configuration with a locking element, wherein the locking element prevents relative rotation of at least the pushing nut screw and the internal screw with respect to each other in the closed configuration, thereby preventing linear extension of the telescoping assembly in the closed configuration; and, 
 transporting the telescoping assembly secured with the locking element in the closed configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the transporting is to an end user. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , further including inserting at least one clip into a clip aperture of the telescoping assembly so as to attach the locking element to the telescoping assembly. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one clip is inserted through a top of the pushing nut screw. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one clip is inserted on an outside of the pushing nut screw. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the internal screw has a driver component applied thereto for rotating the internal screw. 
     
     
       7. The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the driver component includes a gear. 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the telescoping assembly includes an actuating component configured for pushing a plunger of a syringe.